Cubs' Sweeney leaves in 2nd with knee soreness

MESA, Ariz. -- The Cubs received a scare Sunday when right fielder Ryan Sweeney left in the top of the second inning with what was announced as right knee soreness.

Sweeney, who figures to get plenty of playing time against right-handed starters during the season, slipped and turned awkwardly while fielding a double in right field hit by Jeff Bianchi during a 10-8 win against the Brewers.

Sweeney received medical attention before walking off and was replaced by Aaron Cunningham. Sweeney was listed as day to day.

Meanwhile, shortstop Starlin Castro, who has missed a week because of a right hamstring strain, reported he is running on the underwater treadmill and hopes to play by the end of this week.

Confident Kyle: Aside from a bumpy second inning, Kyle Hendricks pitched with more confidence in his second start as he competes for the fifth spot in the rotation.

“You’re definitely unsure in your first start and don’t know how good they’re going to be,” said Hendricks, who struck out Rickie Weeks and Ryan Braun in the first but issued two walks that ended up scoring in the second. “You’re more confident now. I’ve been out there twice against big-league hitters and just gaining more confidence.”

Centrally speaking: Manager Rick Renteria described the consecutive games against the Reds and Brewers as ‘’chess games’’ because of trying to find out the tendencies of their National League Central rivals.

Renteria had a simple solution for trying to stop speedy Reds leadoff batter Billy Hamilton, who was 13-for-14 in stolen base attempts after a September promotion.

“Make him swing the bat,” Renteria said. “Make him earn his way on.”

Vise on Vizcaino: Arodys Vizcaino’s comeback after he missed two seasons has been sparked by the return of a 97-mph fastball.

But Renteria intimated that Vizcaino has several hurdles to clear before he reaches the majors, such as pitching on consecutive days and pitching effectively after warming up and sitting down several times.

“We have to be extremely patient,” Renteria said. “We have no rush for him.”